Oman Immigration News - New Reforms to Nationality Regulations

9 May 2025 – As of 2 February 2025, the Sultanate of Oman introduced significant amendments to its nationality laws, facilitating the process for foreign nationals to obtain citizenship. Noteworthy changes include:

• Reduced residency requirement: Foreign nationals can now apply for Omani citizenship after 15 years of continuous legal residence, reduced from 20 years. Exceptions with more favorable conditions still apply, such as for foreign spouses of Omani citizens.
• Increased permissible absence: Applicants may now be absent from Oman for up to 90 days annually without affecting their continuous residency status, an increase from the previous limit of 60 days.
• Citizenship revocation clause: Citizenship may be revoked if a resident lives abroad for over two consecutive years without a valid reason, revised from the prior threshold of six consecutive months within a 10-year span.
• Eased criteria for special cases: The updates also simplify eligibility for foreign spouses, widows, and divorcees of Omani nationals, as well as children of foreign fathers and Omani mothers.

Deloitte’s view

These reforms reflect Oman's commitment to making the country more attractive for foreign residents and potential citizens, potentially increasing the appeal of long-term settlement. 

For our clients, this development creates enhanced opportunities for securing citizenship under more accommodating terms. The relaxation of residency and absence requirements provides greater flexibility for strategic business planning and personal lifestyle choices. Consequently, we anticipate a positive impact, offering our clients more options and greater security in their residence and investment plans in Oman. 

Deloitte remains committed to keeping you informed about these regulatory changes and how they might affect your strategies in Oman.

Notice

The above is only a brief summary of the current update, is valid at the time of circulation and is based only on information currently available in the public domain which is subject to change. This alert has been written in general terms and does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by Deloitte and therefore cannot be relied on to cover specific situations; application of the principles set out will depend upon the particular circumstances involved and we highly recommend that you obtain professional advice before acting or refraining from acting on any of the contents of this publication. Deloitte accepts no duty of care or liability for any loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication.

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